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Feature: Underground movement that’s travelled the world

Published: 26 April, 2012
by GERLAD ISAAMAN

Words matter in a world of wars, where economic upheaval shatters lives, relationships crumble leaving us gasping. So let’s travel underground to seek a solution – here in the heart of London.

That is the defining, poignant message of a slim booklet of poetry, written by poets born in 44 different countries round the world, whose simple and eloquent tongues you can enjoy for free.

Their inspiration – and special balm – are contained in World Poems on the Underground, 110 copies of which are being distributed free at central tube stations and other destinations from Monday (April 30).

It is the culmination of a idea reborn in Hampstead back in 1986. Judith Chernaik, a New York writer, came to live in London in 1972  – and still loves it.

She teamed up with local original Barrow poets Cicely Herbert and Gerard Benson in a project to bring poetry to a wider audience.

The plan was to present the words of famed and unknown poets alike to passengers on the underground, in thousands of advertising panels above their heads, amid the bustle of daily travel and travail.

Such has been its outstanding success that the idea has been copied round the world, selections of poems published in 11 editions and now one that celebrates life and labour on its first international scale, a moving celebration indeed.

“It’s so exciting to discover new voices,” says Judith, now 77, at her home in Mansfield Road as she contemplates Monday’s launch at Europe House, Smith Square, of the World collection, thanks mainly to a National Lottery grant and Arts Council support.

The original idea, she admits, dates back to the Festival of Britain, in 1951, when poems were displayed on London’s South Bank.

She revived – and expanded it – when she lived in the South Hill Park home of the late radical playwright and poet Adrian Mitchell.

She admired how he reacted instantly to political and social upheaval, which is why, in our trouble times, she insists: “I think hope is a very strong instinct, even in the worst times.

“Most poets try to convey hope even as they respond to things as they are.

We try to choose poems that are positive as well as thoughtful and possibly inspiring.”

And there’s a radical touch with an image from Charing Cross tube station mural of a medieval scribe by Camden Town artist David Gentleman on the World booklet’s cover.

“I’ve always been a reader of poetry, especially Shakespeare and the Romantics, all life-enhancing and memorable,” explains Judith. “I think we turn to different poets at different times, Shakespeare at all times. But it’s also wonderful to discover new voices.

“As for the future – of course one worries, between man-made catastrophes and natural disasters.

But I like Byron’s words: ‘I say – the future is a serious matter – / And so – for God’s sake – hock and soda water!’

“And yes, we put this on the tube a few years ago.”

She adds: “What’s been amazing is to find the idea of poetry on public transport taken up in so many cities across the world.  It’s hugely gratifying to find ‘our’ poems appearing in far-flung places, most recently in a theatre piece staged in Chennai with a dozen poems from our collection choreographed by Indian dancers recited against flute and drums.”

 As she and her co-editors Cicely and Gerard declare: “Common themes recur in these poems – the triumphs and tragedies of history, the sorrows of exile, the joys of return, the enduring consolations of art and poetry.

“The poets range from writers just making a name for themselves to Nobel laureates. Several write in English, others in over 20 different languages. Their poems are translated here by distinguished British, Irish and American poets. Each poet contributes something unique and personal to the story of their lives and also ours.
“We hope the poems will introduce a new audience to a broad range of world poetry – a celebration in many eloquent voices of our common humanity.”

And you can feel that buzz as you open the booklet and read “My Voice” by Partaw Naderi (see box), a poet from war-torn Afghanistan.

As Judith puts it: “Love is the key, to poetry, friendship, good deeds, great art, light verse – much that makes life worth living.”

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